Vulnerable Persons Registry

Decommissioning FAQ

Expand All
• What is happening to the Vulnerable Person Registry (VPR)?

  The Toronto Police Service (TPS) will be decommissioning the VPR effective November 3, 2026. After that date, VPR records will no longer be available through the VPR system.

• Why is TPS closing the VPR?

  The VPR was created to help officers access information about vulnerable persons during interactions and emergency responses. However, over time, TPS found that:

  • Registration levels remained relatively low
  • Information in the registry could not always be matched to an individual early enough in an emergency response
  • New technologies now provide alternative ways for emergency responders to access important information earlier in the response process
• What will happen to the information currently in the VPR?

  Records currently in the VPR will be maintained for a maximum of 1 year from the decommissioning date and then disposed of.

• Will my information be transferred to another service or application?

  No. Records currently in the VPR not be transferred or shared with any other service or application once VPR is decommissioned.

• Will police still have information available during an emergency?

  Yes, in some circumstances. TPS now uses additional information sources, including RapidSOS, which can provide information that individuals have chosen to share through connected devices and services.

• What is RapidSOS?

  RapidSOS is a technology platform that helps emergency communication centres receive information from participating devices, applications, and services during a 911 call. TPS uses RapidSOS to supplement information available to emergency responders.

  More information can be found on the RapidSOS website: How to engage as a citizen | RapidSOS

• What options are available if I want emergency responders to have access to important information?

  TPS encourages individuals and caregivers to consider options that allow important information to be made available during an emergency, such as:

  • MedicAlert
  • Apple Medical ID (available through the Apple Health app)
  • Android Safety & Emergency settings (or equivalent device settings)
• Am I required to sign up for MedicAlert, Apple Medical ID, or another service?

  No. Participation in any alternative service is completely voluntary. You can decide what information, if any, you wish to share through another service.

• I have an Apple Device. How do I set up my Apple Medical ID information for myself or a loved one?

  Apple Medical ID allows you to store important health and emergency contact information on your iPhone or Apple device. If you choose, this information can be made available and shared with emergency responders during an emergency call, through RapidSOS.

  To set up Medical ID:

  1. Open up the Health app on your device
  2. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner
  3. Tap Medical ID
  4. Tap Get Started (or Edit)
  5. Add the information that you wish to include, such as medical conditions, emergency contacts, and other information
  6. Turn on Share During Emergency Call
  7. Tap Done

  Visit Apple Support for further information and instructions about this feature.

• I have an Android device. How do I set up my Android Safety & Emergency settings?

  Most Android devices allow you to add medical information and emergency contacts that can be made available and shared with emergency responders during an emergency call, through RapidSOS.

  To set up your emergency information:

  1. Open Settings on your phone
  2. Look for Safety and Emergency (or Emergency/Medical Information on some devices)
  3. Selected Medical Information (or Medical Info)
  4. Add the information you that you wish to include, such as medical conditions, emergency contacts, and other information
  5. Where available, make sure your emergency information is set to be accessible during an emergency

  Some Android devices may also have a Personal Safety app that can be used to manage emergency information. Because Android settings vary by device, check your device manufacturer’s support information if these options do not appear on your device.

• What if I care for someone who does not have their own device?

  Apple Medical ID and Android emergency information are designed for the person who uses the device. It is possible to enter specific information about someone in your care in the Notes/Medical Notes section of your own device for both Apple and Android devices. This information will show up in RapidSOS when you place a call to 9-1-1 from your device.

  MedicAlert information is available through RapidSOS even if a person does not have their own device. If the person’s MedicAlert number is known, a calltaker can access their information by searching through RapidSOS.

  When calling 9-1-1 on behalf of someone else, let the call taker know about any medical, communication, behavioural or other information that may help responders provide appropriate assistance.

• Can I still register for the VPR before it closes?

  TPS strongly recommends that individuals no longer register for the VPR, as the program will close on November 3, 2026. New registrations will likely be disabled prior to that date.

• Where can I find more information about this change?

  TPS has created a communications plan that includes:

  • Direct correspondence to current VPR registrants
  • Updates to TPS website
  • Community engagements
  • Social media communications

  More information will be provided over the coming weeks ahead of the November 3, 2026 decommissioning date. As we receive more questions and feedback from the community, we will be updating this site with additional FAQs.

• Who can I contact if I need more information?

  Questions can be directed to [email protected]. This email address will remain active even after the VPR is decommissioned on November 3, 2026.